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UPDATE#1 - Firearms, Ammunition and Cash Stolen in Clarington

Five people are facing charges in connection with two break and enters that occurred over the weekend in Clarington.

On January 29, 2018, at approximately 4:30 p.m., investigators were able to identify a suspect vehicle in the Highway 2 and Maple Grove Road area of Clarington. The vehicle was located and two suspects fled the area on foot. A K-9 Unit tracked and located the suspects. A search of the vehicle yielded evidence connecting the two suspects to the previous break and enters, including a Sai-style knife matching the one found at one of the break and enters.

Investigators were able to identify other suspects involved in these break and enters. A search warrant was then executed on a residence on Baldwin Street in Clarington and the third suspect was arrested. Two firearms (one in working order, the other non-functioning) and a bag of ammunition were recovered.

A second search warrant was executed yesterday, this time in Courtice. Ammunition was seized. Two more suspects were arrested and found in possession of further stolen property.

The third firearm that was initially reported missing was located in one of the victim's homes.

Matthew SWERDFIGER, age 19 of Baldwin Street in Clarington, is charged with: Break and Enter x2; Break and Enter and Steal Firearm; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime; Firearm: Unauthorized Possession; Possession of Firearm Obtained by Crime and Unsafe Storage. He was released on a Promise to Appear.

Two 17-year-old males from Clarington are charged with: Break and Enter x2; Theft Under $5000 x2 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. They were both held for bail hearings.

Two 17-year-old males from Clarington are charged with: Break and Enter x2; Breaking, Entering and Stealing Firearm; Firearm: Unauthorized Possession; Possession of Weapon Obtained by Crime; Store Firearms Contrary to Regulations and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000. They were released on a Promise to Appear.

Anyone with new information about these break and enters is asked to contact D/Cst Bycok of East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1605.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

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ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED JANUARY 29, 2018Firearms, Ammunition and Cash Stolen in Clarington